Manfrotto 190XPRO Aluminium 3 Section Tripod with Horizontal Column

Product Information

We’ll get the simple decisions out of the way first, which essentially revolve around size and weight. If you’re tall and don’t want to stoop when composing, then go for one of the 055 models. Likewise if you want to mount particularly large and heavy cameras or lenses, the greater load-handling of the 055 range will be preferred. So beware if you use a two-second countdown triggered by hand – if the centre column is raised, there’ll almost certainly be some motion remaining when the sensor is exposed. Of course fast shutter speeds not to mention shorter focal lengths will avoid most fine wobbles, but those using longer exposures or longer lenses could get caught out and perhaps blame their optics or image processing for a slightly soft image when it’s in fact the tripod and operator technique at fault. Manfrotto 190XPROB Verdict The actual numbers may also have you rethinking your technique, especially if you regularly trigger self-timers by hand and not cable release. While all vibrations with the columns raised or lowered were fully dissipated within a ten second countdown, most configurations were still wobbling well beyond two seconds. We started with the aluminium 190XPROB with its centre column down. In this configuration, the vibrations from a sharp tap were dampened in an average of 4.9 seconds. With the centre column raised, the vibrations took 7.4 seconds to visibly dissipate. It should come as no surprise to find a tripod becomes less stable with its centre column raised, but taking around 50% longer to dissipate vibrations from even a relatively light load is quite a performance-hit.

Perhaps that extra bulk contributed to the new 190's ability to handle loads of up to 15.43 pounds (7kg), which is a sizable gain from the old 190's 11.02 pounds (5kg) load capacity. The new 190 offers four leg angles at 25, 46, 66, 88 degrees, leg tube diameters of 24.8, 20.4, 16mm, a full carbon fiber construction including the center column, and rotating leveling bubble, which are traits shared directly with the old 190. When calculating which height will be best for you, remember to also take into account the height of the head and the viewfinder or screen you’ll be using for composition – a typical Manfrotto head in landscape orientation would be about 10cm tall, while the viewfinder on an average DSLR is typically about 8cm from the base. So it’d be fair to add around 15 to 20cm to the tripod plate height to reach the viewfinder level of a typical DSLR.

So overall the MT190 has grown-up to become a larger and more substantial tripod that further distances itself from basic budget models. If you’re happy with the size and weight – and it’s hard not to find a model to suit given all the options – then I can recommend it for serious use. You’d need to spend a great deal more to enjoy significantly better performance. Of the different options, my choice would be the three-section models for stability and if you can afford it, the carbon fiber MT190CXPRO3 version for lower weight and better vibration dissipation. But if budget demands, the aluminium MT190XPRO3 remains a fine choice. If you’re looking to couple it with a head, I’d recommend the Manfrotto XPRO BHQ2 ball head for speed or the Manfrotto XPRO geared head for precision. Given a typical head weighs between 0.5 and 1Kg (with only the heftiest models coming in any heavier), you can easily work out what you’ll have remaining for your camera and lens. Typical entry-level to mid-range DSLR bodies weigh between 500 and 700g with battery. Typical semi-pro DSLR bodies with battery (but no battery grip) generally weigh around 900g, while top-end pro DSLRs with built-in grips rarely weigh much more than 1.2Kg.

With four models in the MT190 series (six if you include the ball head kits) and three more in the stronger MT055 collection (or five if you also include its kit options), it’s useful to understand Manfrotto’s naming convention to work out which will be most appropriate for you. Compact, light, rigid and well-designed, the Manfrotto 190XPROB shows how a little extra investment in your trusty tripod can reap big rewards" - Digital Camera Buyer magazine. Like other models in the 190 range, the biggest issue facing the 190XPROB for many photographers will be its maximum height – it’s absolutely fine for people of short to medium height, but if you’re tall, you may find yourself crouching more than you’d like, and always relying on the centre column being raised, which as we saw in our tests, compromises stability. But then the taller 055XPROB will be eliminated by many on the grounds of size and weight, and while the weight issue is solved by the carbon fiber 055CXPRO3, it comes at a considerable price hike. As always, it’s a case of deciding which compromise best-fits your requirements and budget. Finally, Manfrotto tripods with the 90 degree centre-column include the PRO tag in their model name. Since all current MT190 and MT055 tripods feature the 90 degree column, they all have PRO in their titles. So to decode the specific model name reviewed here, MT190XPRO3 refers to the MT190 collection with aluminium legs, a 90 degree column and three leg sections. Simple when you know how! Within each range, you have the choice of aluminium or carbon fiber construction; aluminium models are indicated by a single X in the name, while carbon fiber ones are indicated by a CX. The carbon fiber models are lighter, more rigid, feel less cold to the touch, and able to dissipate vibrations faster, but they’re also more expensive. Conversely some may prefer the weight of an aluminium model if they shoot a lot in windy conditions.The Manfrotto 190 is a flexible and solid tripod designed for serious photographers seeking a decent, stable platform. A significant step-up from budget entry-level tripods without the cost higher-end options, the 190 series strikes a compelling balance of price and performance, and has justifiably become Manfrotto’s best-selling range. All repairs must be sent to our dedicated Service and Repairs centre (please see details below) prepaid. Equipment, which is repaired under warranty without charge, will be returned with normal transportation charges prepaid by Manfrotto Distribution.

As an owner of several earlier 190 and 055 models, I really noticed the increased size of the MT190. It has, in effect, become an 055, but that’s no bad thing. It means the maximum height is tall enough for most photographers to never need to raise the central column, and the maximum load has also increased from 5 to 7kg. The ability to shoot comfortably without extending the centre column is critical for the best performance as raising it on any tripod seriously impacts stability and should only be used as a last resort. As for the 190XPROB reviewed here, it’s hard not to be impressed with what you’re getting for the money. It may be the cheapest model of the four tested here, but still delivers a significant step-up from budget tripods. It’s relatively compact but extends to a height most would find acceptable, while handling sufficient load for the vast majority of photographers. Angle the legs out as far as they’ll go with the centre column horizontal and it’ll also crouch just a few inches above the ground. Manfrotto is one of the established names in tripods. Their commitment to quality and functionality marches on and the 190XPROB model is yet another example of their ongoing efforts to redefine what it means to use a tripod. The aluminum Manfrotto 190XPROB has a center column that, with a push of a button, releases from the vertical plane and pivots in the unique leg/head assembly to a horizontal position. Conversely if you want the most compact tripod for easy transportation, the smaller 190 range is preferable, and if weight is an issue, the carbon fiber models of either family are much lighter than their aluminium counterparts. This weight difference isn’t something you’ll need to go on a long hike to appreciate either – it’s obvious before you even step out the door. But carbon fiber doesn’t come cheap, so if budget is an issue, then go for an aluminium model. By now you’ll have a pretty good idea of which model will be best for you, but there are exceptions to consider. The 055 range for example may be designed for taller people and heavier loads, but there’s good reasons for shorter photographers with lighter systems to buy them. As our tests proved, there’s a significant difference in vibration dissipation with the centre columns down, and in this configuration, the height of the 055 range roughly matches the 190 with their columns extended. So if you need the height of the 190 range with the column extended, but want greater stability, the 055 will give you it with the column down. It’s this simple reason which will see the 055 selected by many photographers of average height. The 055 range also obviously has more room for growth – if not in height, then in camera system weight.Recently I have photographed a lot of food. Since I’m not a studio guy I don’t have the specialized equipment to regularly shoot food or other small things on a table. But this is exactly the kind of work where the Manfrotto 190XPROB can make life a lot easier. Of course, the subject could be flowers or macro stuff or any other work that requires getting above the subject for an overhead view, in or out of a studio. All the PRO models offer built-in spirit levels: on the carbon fiber versions they’re integrated into the top plate, and on the aluminium ones they’re part of the lower Q90 section. Either way, they’re a handy addition whether the head you’re using is also equipped with one or not. The articulating center column is ideal for product and food photography, and it made the experience far easier to obtain the exact placement of the camera for the ideal shot. Furthermore, with a decent remote shutter trigger and a Wi-Fi card linked to an external monitor, food shoots were a breeze. The clever camera tripod for perfect results every time. The 190XPRO Aluminium 4-Section Tripod with Horizontal Column is more than just an average photo stand. It blends ergonomic design with best-in-class quality standards and an impressive list of features. Not least the smart 90° column system, which allows you to catch shots from any perspective. So you can work fast, accurately, and with absolute freedom, whether you’re shooting vertically, or horizontally.

The entire centre column can also be removed and reversed for very low angles if desired, or swapped for an optional shorter version, allowing the legs to be fully widened without having the column extended. For the lens we once again opted for a popular focal length of 70-300mm, although due to availability the model used was the less common Canon EF 70-300mm DO. When fully zoomed-in and mounted on a cropped-frame body like the 550D / T2i, this lens delivered an effective focal length of 480mm. The Movie Crop function then effectively multiplied this by a further 7.2 times, delivering a final focal length equivalent to a massive 3456mm; in binocular or telescopic terms, that’s about 70x ‘normal’ (50mm) magnification. So while the total load itself was a fairly modest 1.25Kg (or just under 2.1Kg including the head), the chance to test each tripod at such a large and demanding effective focal length was one we felt had the overall edge. And once again while the Canon 550D / T2i isn’t a heavy body, it is representative of the DSLRs in most common use. In addition to going horizontal, the same center column release can fully invert for using your camera upside down, close to the ground. I wish I had brought this tripod along with me recently on a day hike. Since our trip occurred midday, I thought there were no serious landscape photo opportunities. As usual, something else presented itself: a swarm of orange butterflies in a field of purple flowers. I wasn’t keen on laying down on the dusty trail, but it’s a dirty job and someone’s gotta do it. The tripod could’ve done it instead. With the legs fully extended and set to their normal operating angle, the head plate is positioned 122cm from the ground. Extending the centre column takes the head plate to a maximum height of 146cm. Fold the legs and column down, and the minimum length for transportation becomes 57cm. The carbon fiber 190CXPRO3 version is almost identical in these regards, with the same maximum heights, but folding down to a fractionally longer 58cm. The differences between the four models are their overall weight and retracted size for transportation. With no head fitted, the aluminium MT190XPRO3 measures 59cm when folded-down and weighs 2kg / 4.4lbs. The four-sectioned MT190XPRO4 version measures 49cm when folded-down, saving 10cm in length, but weighs a tad more at 2.1kg / 4.6lbs. Meanwhile the carbon fiber MT190CXPRO3 measures 61cm when folded-down and weighs 1.6kg / 3.6lbs, while the four-section MT190CXPRO4 weighs the same but measures 52.5cm when folded-down, saving 8.5cm in length. So the carbon fiber models are actually a tad longer, but save you 400-500g or around one pound in weight over their aluminium counterparts. Remember though, carbon fiber also has the benefit of reducing vibrations faster and not being as cold to the touch in freezing conditions.

Manfrotto 190XPROB Real-life tests

The main differences between both models boil down to the fact that the new 190 can support heftier loads and achieve a taller maximum height, while gaining more than an inch in portable length and almost a poundmore mass. Regardless, the new 190 is very transportable, which is what this model is geared towards. New Design in Use